Dinner

That first spoonful of Tom Yum Soup greets you with fragrant steam heavy with lemongrass and citrus. I’ve simmered and tasted this broth four times, adjusting chiles and lime leaves until I hit that silky-smooth, gently bubbling balance. Along the way I discovered that tearing the kaffir lime leaves first releases a brighter zing, and … Read more

In my kitchen, when that first swirl of fragrant steam rose from the pot, I knew this Chipotle Pumpkin Soup was a keeper. The glossy surface shimmered with a rich buttery smell, and specks of smoky chipotle dotted the silken orange. During my second trial, I noticed how a brief sizzle of garlic before the … Read more

There’s nothing quite like the fragrant steam that rises from a bowl of Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup on a chilly evening. After my eighth trial run—where I discovered that slicing the carrots too thick left them underdone—I nailed down the ideal thin rounds that soften just right. I watched golden butter coat the diced onion … Read more

I still recall the first time I coaxed a deep, silky Hungarian Mushroom Soup onto my stove—a swirl of glossy broth flecked with sweet paprika, fragrant steam rising in gentle wisps. In early tests I discovered that slicing mushrooms uniformly ensures each bite is tender with a slight bite, and that whisking sour cream off … Read more

There’s something so soothing about a bowl of Creamy Tomato and White Bean Soup steaming before you, its glossy surface catching the light. I first tested this recipe on a drizzly afternoon and was struck by the way the nutty white beans softened into the silky tomato base. During my third trial, I noticed that … Read more

From the first fragrant steam I inhaled, I was hooked on Chinese Hot and Sour Soup. The moment that nutty, toasted scent mixed with a whisper of chili made me dive right in, I knew this bowl would be a winter staple in my kitchen. After three rounds of testing, I noticed that massaging thin … Read more

On a chilly evening, a ladle of Potato Leek Soup feels like a hug in a bowl. I’ve stirred this velvety blend on at least six weeknight trials, noting how the leeks soften into ribbons of fragrant steam and the potato cubes melt into a silky smooth base. In my first run, I under-salted; by … Read more

When I first pulled my tray of roasted carrots, parsnips, and onions from the oven the kitchen filled with the warm, nutty aroma of my Kale and Roasted Vegetable Soup. In three rounds of testing I learned that uniform 1-inch vegetable pieces ensure even caramelization, while a quick mash of beans and veggies builds body … Read more

There’s something about the fragrant steam rising from a pot of Black Bean Soup that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. In my own kitchen adventures—after nearly a dozen trials—I discovered that a quick sauté until the vegetables glisten and a final squeeze of lime makes all the difference. The … Read more

Steaming tendrils of fragrant broth curl into the air, carrying a nutty toasted scent that makes your heart sink into comfort—that’s the pull of One-Pot Chicken and Rice Soup. I first tested this classic soup on a drizzly evening, noticing how the rice gently puffed and the chicken thigh pieces released rich buttery smells. By … Read more